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  • We will support Tinubu’s transformation drive of military to world-class force, says Akpabio

    We will support Tinubu’s transformation drive of military to world-class force, says Akpabio

    Senate President Godswill Akpabio has pledged the National Assembly’s support for President Bola Tinubu’s initiative to modernize the Nigerian military into a world-class force.

    Akpabio gave the pledged on Thursday, April 10, at the inaugural high-level roundtable of the National Defence College (NDC) Irregular Warfare Centre, in Abuja.

    The Senate President was the Special Guest of Honour.

    The event focused on presenting research findings from ongoing Joint Task Force operations in the country and demonstrated the ongoing efforts to strengthen Nigeria’s defense systems and promote regional security through collaborative research and strategic planning initiatives.

    Akpabio said, “Let me affirm here now that the National Assembly stands as a steadfast ally to our Armed Forces. We remain fully committed to supporting you, not only in defending our sovereignty but in evolving into an elite, world-class force.

    “We will ensure you are equipped not only with weapons, but with training, intelligence, innovation, and the moral mandate of the people.”

    Represented by Chairman, Senate Committee on Army, Sen. Abdulaziz Yar’adua, the Senate President described the initiative by the NDC as not only timely, but a kind of strategic and inclusive thinking that is forward looking and that would shape the future of the country.

    While saluting members of the Armed Forces for their sacrifices in defending the country against adversaries, he urged the military to continue to uphold professionalism, discipline, and respect for human dignity.

    He said: “We understand that the battles we fight are not only on the frontline of war, but also on the frontier of perception…For it is through these virtues that you ensure trust between the community and the citizens. Let the people not see our soldiers as mere children-poets, but as patrolling warriors standing between order and chaos.

    “Let them in their uniform be seen not as a symbol of fear, but as a banner of protection, honor, and peace.”

    Akpabio called for the implementation of the research findings to create a stronger defense policy, foster deeper cooperation, and inspire bolder thinking.

    In his remarks, Defence Minister Mohammed Badaru, who was represented by his Special Assistant Technical, Maj.-Gen. Ahmed Jibril (Rtd), said the Federal Government is combating insecurity through a whole-of-society approach.

    Badaru said that the approach was designed due to the realization that the kinetic approach alone cannot solve the problem of insecurity.

    He explained that the approach, which is a comprehensive strategy, involves government agencies, civil society organizations, individual citizens, and the private sector in efforts to solve the insecurity problem.

    Badaru said: “The idea of dealing with insecurity through a kinetic approach alone, we knew that it’s not going to work. I recall during the Chief of Army Staff Conference, he told us that this thing that everybody is thinking is a military thing, or a police thing, or a security agency thing, is not going to work. If we continue like that, this problem will remain with us for life.”

    The minister said that the government was attacking the root causes of insecurity by addressing the problems of poverty, inequality, and unemployment in the country.

    The Chief of Defence Staff (CDS), General Christopher Musa, represented by the Director of Special Operations at the Defence Headquarters, Rear Admiral Alexander Bingel, said that the concept of a joint task force was responsible for bringing peace to the North East.

    “However, of recent, we have noticed that those successes have been dwelt down,” he said.

    “And this research is so timely that it will give us an insight into what we need to do, what we need to improve on, so that we will, at the end of the day, achieve the common goal of securing a country where the lives and properties of our citizenry are protected.”

    Earlier in his remarks, the Commandant of NDC, Rear Admiral Olumuyiwa Olotu, said the Irregular War Centre was established in January 2025 to close the gap in research effort especially in the areas of irregular and hybrid threats to meet the evolving security dynamics in contemporary times, where nations are confronted by various forms of threats other than conventional war.

    According to him, the centre, as part of its mandate, also conducts evidence-based research that contributes to public policies, strategies, and training needs to enhance the effectiveness of our defence and security services as part of a whole-of-society approach to mitigating security challenges.

    These field researches in the areas of operation of the various Joint Task Forces in the country were informed by the need to identify the impacts of JTF operations on the socio-economic and political development in their Areas of Responsibility.

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    This is consistent with the mandate of the College to undertake research in pursuit of its mandate as a Centre of Excellence in research and training at the strategic level. On this, I sincerely thank the Chief of Defence Staff, General CG Musa, OFR, for being very supportive of the project.

    He said: “Between 16 and 25 February, six Research Teams comprising members of the Faculty and Research Fellows in the College navigated complex socio-political landscapes and traversed challenging terrains across the six geopolitical zones in the country. They engaged various stakeholders drawn from state and local government officials, academics, defence and security services, traditional and religious institutions, local vigilantes, residents, and civil society Organisations, among other stakeholders. In the course of the field research, the teams conducted Key Informant Interviews (KIIs), Focused Group Discussions (FGDs), and observed firsthand the realities on the ground.

    “The field research was not merely an academic exercise; rather, they were a mission to gather objective insights that can inform strategic decision-making and contribute to a more effective and sustainable approach to security and stability in Nigeria. No doubt, the data that have been gathered reveal the multifaceted realities as they apply in the various geopolitical zones in the country. It is on this basis that the College has organised and extended invitations to Your Excellencies and your institutions to be present at this High-Level Roundtable as we publicly present the reports.”

    Rear Admiral Olotu said that the research of findings would be another starting point that further feeds existing knowledge on the subject matter in such a manner that stimulates open and constructive dialogue.

  • COMMUNIQUE ISSUED AT THE 39TH NATIONAL DELEGATES CONFERENCE (NDC) OF SENIOR STAFF UNION IN COLLEGES OF EDUCATION, NIGERIA (SSUCOEN), HELD AT COLLEGE OF EDUCATION, WAKA-BIU, BORNO STATE, FROM 3RD – 9TH NOVEMBER, 2024.

    COMMUNIQUE ISSUED AT THE 39TH NATIONAL DELEGATES CONFERENCE (NDC) OF SENIOR STAFF UNION IN COLLEGES OF EDUCATION, NIGERIA (SSUCOEN), HELD AT COLLEGE OF EDUCATION, WAKA-BIU, BORNO STATE, FROM 3RD – 9TH NOVEMBER, 2024.

    • PREAMBLE:

    The Senior Staff Union in Colleges of Education, Nigeria (SSUCOEN), at its 39th National Delegates Conference (NDC), held at the College of Education, Waka-Biu, Borno State, deliberated on a wide range of topical National issues and other issues affecting the education sector; the Colleges of Education Sub-Sector; and particularly its members.

    At the end of the Conference, Delegates, among other things, issued the following declarations:

    • APPRECIATION
    • Management of COE Waka-Biu, and the Government of Borno State

    The Union wishes to appreciate the Executive Governor of Borno State, His Excellency, Prof. Babagana Umara Zulum, Distinguished Senator Ali Ndume, Hon. Muktar Aliyu Betara, His Royal Highness (Dr.) Mustapha Umar Mustapha II—the Emir of Biu, and other Borno State Government delegation who graced our occasion.

    The Union equally applauds the host Provost and Management of the College of Education, Waka-Biu, for their unparalleled hospitality during the 39th National Delegates Conference. Special gratitude goes to the Provost, Dr. Gambo M. Saljaba, for creating an enabling environment for a successful hosting. A special thanks go to the host Chairman, Comrade Ibrahim Muhammed Kida, the chapter executive, congressmen and women, for the sacrifice of their resources towards lightening the burdens of the delegates. This appreciation will not be complete without recognizing and acknowledging the contributions and support of Comrade Daniel Musa Mshelia, the Zonal Secretary, North East Zone, who worked tirelessly to ensure that the Conference was a success.

    • STATE OF THE NATION
    • Incessant/Worsening State of Insecurity

    While the Union appreciates the efforts of our gallant armed forces and other security agencies in combatting worrisome state of insecurity and other forms of crime in Nigeria; the Delegates wish to condole with the President, Federal Republic of Nigeria, His Excellency Sen. Bola Ahmed Tinubu (GCFR), the immediate family and the entire Nigerians over the death of Lt. Gen. Taoreed Lagbaja, the immediate past Chief of Army Staff. We pray for the repose of his soul and that of other security operatives who died in active service, to find peace in the bosom of the Almighty God.

    Delegates in session, while reflecting on the deteriorating state of insecurity in the country, strongly condemned the rampant spate of insecurity and kidnappings for ransome, which have plagued the country, causing immeasurable suffering and anguish to countless Nigerians.

    The Union, therefore, demands that the Government and security agencies should rise to the occasion and take decisive and collective action to address the crisis, protect citizens’ lives and property, bring the perpetrators to justice, and ensure that Nigeria becomes a safe and secure nation for all.

    • Incessant Collapse of the National Grid

    Delegates in session noted with serious concern, the deplorable state of electricity supply to Nigerian citizens, occasioned by the frequent collapse of the National Grid which is becoming a daily routine. Not forgetting the fact that there has been the withdrawal of subsidies on electricity tariffs, a development that has increased electricity bills astronomically. It was expected that the incidents of epileptic power supply would be long forgotten. Unfortunately, the nation has been thrown into total darkness, thus, affecting and crippling businesses and day-to-day activities in the Nation. The Conference, therefore, calls on the Government, especially the Minister of Power and other relevant authorities to rise to the occasion and save the nation from this National embarrassment.

    • Uncontrolled Inflation and Rise in Prices of Goods and Services

    It is with sorrow and grief that the Union wishes to add its voice to the ongoing lamentations by Nigerians over the uncontrolled inflationary rates; exchange rates; high interest rates; and above all, the skyrocketing prices of goods and services in the country, which has eroded the purchasing power of Nigerian workers, putting them in untold hardships.

    The Delegates in session equally condemned the proposed 2024 Tax Bill sent to the National Assembly from the Executive Arm of the Government. The Union wishes to remind the Government that the 2024 Tax Bill will further impoverish the common man. We therefore condemned this proposed bill in strong terms and called for its total rejection by the National Assembly.

    • Deplorable Conditions of Nigerian Roads

    Delegates noted with serious concern, the deplorable condition of roads across Nigeria, which are now death traps. Road travels, which is the only option available to the common Nigerians are characterized with so many hazards and risks. Delegates therefore call on the Federal Government and State Governments to, as a matter of urgency, declare a state of emergency on Nigerian roads in order to restore the hope of the common man.

    • Removal of Subsidies on Petrol and Hike in Electricity Tariffs

    The Conference discussed the incessant hike in the price of petroleum products, especially Premium Motor Spirit (PMS) and Electricity Tariffs. The decision was deemed to be quite an insensitive and callous move that has caused more hardship to Nigerians than ever witnessed in the history of Nigeria. The Union, therefore, strongly condemned the decision and demanded an immediate reversal. Also, the Government has been called upon to demonstrate sensitivity and a sense of responsibility toward the protection of the welfare and well-being of its citizens, not to prioritize profits over its citizens.

    • THE BANE/PLIGHT OF THE EDUCATION SECTOR:
    • Call for Increased Budgetary Allocation to the Education Sector

    The Conference urged both the Federal and State Governments in Nigeria to prioritize the future of our nation by significantly increasing budgetary allocation to the education sector. Nigeria’s current allocation of less than 8% of the national budget falls short of the UNESCO’s recommended 26% for developing countries. This inadequate funding has resulted in infrastructural decay, outdated research facilities, and mass migration of professionals overseas. To drive socio-economic growth, reduce poverty, and foster national development, it is imperative that the government allocates at least 20% of the notional budget to education. This will enable the sector to address pressing challenges, improve teacher training, enhance learning outcomes, retain professionals, and provide access to quality education for all Nigerians. The Conference, further called on policymakers to recognize education as a critical investment in our collective future and act accordingly.

    • Appointment of new Ministers of Education

    Delegates congratulates the newly appointed Minister of Education, Dr. Morufu Olatunji Alausa, and the Minister of State, Education, Dr. Suwaiba Saidu Ahmad, for their well-deserved appointment as Minister of Education and Minister of State, Education, respectively. While the Union felicitate with them on their appointments, it called on them to, as a matter of urgency, focus their efforts towards the total revamping and repositioning of the failing educational sector, especially the public educational institutions and Teacher Education, in particular.

    The Union equally appreciates the President and Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces, His Excellency Sen. Bola Ahmed Tinubu (GCFR) for finding the two appointees worthy of their appointments, and called on Mr President to give them the needed support to accomplish the enormous challenging tasks ahead of them.

    • SPECIFIC CHALLENGES OF COLLEGES OF EDUCATIONT AND SSUCOEN MEMBERS:   
    • Conversion of Colleges of Education to Universities

    Delegates in session frowned at the rampant conversion of some Colleges of Education to Universities by the Federal and State Governments, even when the Act establishing Colleges of Education, 2023 (as amended), provides for a dual mandate that allows Colleges to run and award both NCE and Degrees, as noted in 3 above.

    On this note, the Union appreciates the Kano State Governor, His Excellency, Engr. Abba Kabir Yusuf for reverting Sa’adatu Rimi University of Education, Kombotso, to its former status as College of Education, Kumbotso, Kano State, in conformity with the provisions of dual mandate in the 2023 Act, (as amended). This move is highly commendable and worthy of emulation by other State governments.

    • The 2023 FCEs ACT

    The Conference, while still expressing its appreciation to the Government, the National Assembly, and other relevant stakeholders for the Repeal and Re-enactment of the Act establishing Federal Colleges of Education, it further urged relevant stakeholders and Provosts to ensure the full implementation of the provisions of the Act. Delegates in session further called on various state governments to take advantage of the provisions therein, especially the Dual Mandate of running both NCE and Degrees concurrently by Colleges, without affiliation to Universities.

    • Domestication of 65 years Retirement Age

    Delegates in session observed with dismay, how some State Governments are yet to implement the 65 years retirement age for workers in their Colleges, even 14 years after its implementation. The Union therefore, calls on the State Governments who are yet to implement the 65 years retirement age, to implement it in their respective states.

    • Mainstreaming of Staff Demonstration Schools

    The Conference appreciated the efforts of the Hon. Minister of Education; the Chairman, National Salaries, Incomes & Wages Commission (NSI&WC); the Permanent Secretary, FME; and other Critical Stakeholders for their commitment in the mainstreaming of staff of Demonstration schools. Delegates further calls on them to ensure the completion of the process with a view to commencing work on 1st January, 2025, as contained in the report, since the exercise was long overdue.

    • TETFund Sponsorship

    The Conference called on the Tertiary Education Trust Fund (TETFund) to consider extending its sponsorship for Staff Development and Training to Senior Non-Teaching Staff in Colleges of Education to ease the difficulties of self-sponsorship, especially as the acquisition of a Master’s Degree is a requirement for promotion to the ranks of Deputy Registrar and Bursar and appointment of Registrar and Bursar. In addition, it is equally important to acknowledge the crucial roles being played by Senior Non-Teaching staff in the growth and delivery of the mandates of the College of Education sub-sector. That notwithstanding, the most recent decision to include a few Non-Teaching Carders was appreciated.

    • Revitalization Fund

    While expressing its sincere appreciation to the Federal Government for the approval and release of the Fifteen Billion Naira Revitalization Fund to Public Colleges of Education, the Union further calls on the Federal Government to hasten the release of the second tranche of the fund, to Colleges who are yet to access the 2nd and the last tranches, without further delays. This is to ensure prudent and judicious use of the fund by the beneficiary institutions, amidst the present inflationary trends which is fast eroding the value of the fund.

    • Transition of Tertiary Institutions from IPPIS to GIFMIS

    While the Conference expressed its appreciation for the Federal Executive Council’s recent decision to exit tertiary institutions from the Integrated Payroll and Personnel Information System (IPPIS) payment platform; the Union, however, calls on the Federal Government to tardy the process, pending when the technical issues of concern, such as Peculiar Allowance (PAA/PNA) and completion of the renegotiation of the 2010, FGN/SSUCOEN agreement, are fully addressed, before exiting the IPPIS platform. Delegates equally called on the federal government to engage the Union with a view to coming with a better payment platform that would accommodate areas of concern, before migrating from the IPPIS platform. It further called on government to ensure the immediate and full payment of all outstanding arrears of promotion, wage award, 25%/35%, the minimum wage and all withheld third-party deductions, in the interest of industrial harmony. The Union further calls on the Chairman, NSI&WC and the Director General, Budget office of the Federation, to ensure the inclusion of PAA/PNA in the personnel budget line of each College.

    • Implementation of the National Minimum Wage/Payment of Arrears

    Delegates in session decried the haphazard implementation of the new National Minimum Wage and the negative impact that it has had on the purchasing power of workers, especially that the consequential adjustment was nothing to ride home about. This development has rendered the previous proclamation of the government to pay workers a living wage, a mere lip service. It was also noted that some state governments were yet to implement the new minimum wage. The Conference, therefore, called on the states who are yet to implement the new National Minimum Wage, to speedily implement it, in the interest of industrial disharmony.

    The Conference, notwithstanding, applauded some State Governments that have implemented the New National Minimum Wage, especially states that are paying above the approved N70,000.00.

    • CONCLUSION

    SSUCOEN remains dedicated to collaborating with Governments and other relevant stakeholders towards ensuring that the Colleges of Education sub-sector operates smoothly, towards a better teacher education in Nigeria.

    The Union will continue to advocate for policies that promote quality education, enhance staff welfare, and guarantee a secure and conducive environment for teaching and learning as well as administrative functions.

    Comrd. Danladi Ali Msheliza, FCPM, FANC, FNLI, MNIM                Comrd. Nwenyi Leo Isioma, MNIM

    (President)                                                                                 (National Secretary)

  • NDC canvasses use of sports to unite Nigerians

    NDC canvasses use of sports to unite Nigerians

    The Commandant of the National Defence College (NDC) has canvassed for the usage of sports to unite Nigerians.

    Rear Admiral Olotu stated this at the Aguiyi Ironsi Cantonment Sport Complex, Abuja, during the sport fiesta organized to mark the end of Course 32 participants in the college, 

    The event also had the Minister of Sport Development, Senator John Enoh, in attendance.

    Speaking at the Sports Complex, Olotu said uniting Nigerians would greatly impact positively on the nation and its economy.

    He said: “Sports go beyond the mere fact that teams compete against each other, it is a way of bringing people together. Of course, as a military organization, one key aspect of our traditions and life generally is that of comradeship. We must be our brothers’ keepers.

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     “Sports is one of those avenues, where we develop that spirit of comradeship, spirit of togetherness, spirit of looking out for each other, spirit of never leaving anyone behind, for that reason, we place huge premium on Sports.”

    Also, Senator Enoh  said the military plays a crucial role in sport development in Nigeria.

    He said: “I think that, for us as a country, we should continue to indicate the pre-eminent roles that the country’s armed forces have always played in terms of sporting activities in the Nigerian history and sporting development.

     “If another sector of our national life can reflect what they do, I think we will get to where we should be.”

  • NDC Commandant highlights importance of action in leadership

    NDC Commandant highlights importance of action in leadership

    The Commandant of the National Defence College (NDC), Rear Admiral Olumuyiwa Olotu, has charged participants of Course 32 to always take action even if it’s unpopular.

    He said good leadership is not only about showing empathy and inspiring people but about taking decisive action when the need arises.

    The Commandant said this on Sunday, August 18, when he spoke at the inter-denominational church service, as part of activities marking the graduation of the participants of Course 32, in Abuja.

    He said: “What we do here in the college is to build the character of men and women who will take up very key leadership roles.

    “During the sermon by the Reverend, he talked about the need for leadership to show empathy, inspire hope, and other aspects of leadership that we must bring to bear going forward in our organizations, homes, and in nations. However, even when we have the men that are needed and they have the wherewithal in terms of ability, it is still very important to act.

    “Having ability and capability alone, being empathetic or identifying that something needs to be done for the individual, for the organization, for the country is not enough in itself, but going further to take action to do what is needed even if those actions may not be popular, even if those actions may seem harsh. But doing something when there is a need for something to be done is very, very important.

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    “So as we leave here today, let us realize that we must act when the need arises. And it is not everything that we do that will meet the approval of all, but we must realize that serving the common good is better than whatever accolades you might receive from a few.

    “So, go out there and be better. As the participants return to your services, agencies, and countries and make things better. Whatever you meet in your places of leadership, try and make it better.”

    Earlier in his sermon, Captain Reverend Joseph Nda Jacob urged participants to continue to hold on to God in their exercise of leadership.

    He said: “As you go back to their respective countries and places of work, I want you to, first of all, understand that the exercise of leadership itself takes the grace of God.

    “Please remember that it is by the grace of God that we can exercise any meaningful or purposeful leadership. So we must continue to hold on to Him and trust in His ability to guide us.

    “Let us remember that whatever it is that God has His hand in, that it must be successful. So please, as we leave here, let us not depart from the presence of the Lord. And I pray that His presence does not depart from any one of us.”

  • Cultural diversity a strength to fight global terrorism, says NDC commandant

    Cultural diversity a strength to fight global terrorism, says NDC commandant

    The Commandant of the National Defence College (NDC), Rear Admiral Olumuyiwa Olotu, has asked countries around the world to be united to fight global terrorism.

    He said since terrorism affects all the countries it must be faced “holistically with oneness of spirit and purpose.”

    The Commandant said this on Saturday during an interview with journalists at the International Day for allied participants of the NDC Course 32 to showcase their culture and cuisine. 

    The Nation reports the NDC attracted participants from 19 countries and Nigeria, including Republic of Benin, Botswana, Brazil, Chad, Congo, Côte d’ Ivoire, the Gambia, Germany and Ghana. Others were; India, Liberia, Mali, Nepal, Senegal, Sierra Leone, Sout Africa, Tanzania, Zambia as well as Zimbabwe.

    Olotu said the International Day was set aside to showcase different cultures of not just countries but regions within countries .

    He said: “We are showcasing the beauty of diversity, and to also send a strong message that no matter how different we are, still one people and diversity in itself should be seen as a strength rather than a weakness.

    “This event brings all of us together. It tells us that when it is time to celebrate together it is good to celebrate together. It also means that when it is time for facing challenges, we still have to face it holistically and with oneness of spirit and of purpose. Here you can not see any difference among the people, and it is the same way we should approach the fight against global terrorism. Because terrorism doesn’t affect just one country, one people or one nation. It affects the entire world.

    “ Whatever that is happening in Russia or Syria and the Middle East, generally, affects us here. Likewise, all the security challenges we have in Nigeria also affect our neighbours and our other strategic partners. So, for this reason we are sending a strong message today that united we must stand, we must face our common challenges. Even as we celebrate together, we must also fight against those that don’t want us to have peace.’

    He advised the participants to unwind after rigorous academic exercise in the college and build upon the bonds they had already established.

  • How to end terrorism, by DSS, GIABA, NDC, others

    How to end terrorism, by DSS, GIABA, NDC, others

    The Department of State Services (DSS), the Inter-Governmental Action Group against Money Laundering in West Africa (GIABA), the National Defence College (NDC), and others have suggested ways terrorism and related crimes could be effectively tamed in the country.

    The Director General of the DSS, Yusuf Bichi; the Director General of GIABA, Edwin Harris Jr.; the Commandant of the NDC, Rear Admiral Olumuyiwa Olotu and the Chief Executive Officer of the Nigerian Financial Intelligence Unit (NFIU), Mrs. Hafsat Bakari said efforts should be directed at blocking the sources of finance opened to terrorist organisations.

    Bichi, Harris Jr, Olotu, and Bakari also stressed the need for enhanced inter-country collaboration in intelligence sharing and counter-terrorism initiatives.

    They spoke in Abuja at the opening session of the event tagged: “Training of trainers (ToT) on countering the financing of Terrorism (CFT) for Anglophone GIABA member states,” organised by GIABA.

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    Bichi, who was represented by the Director of Training and Staff Development, Mrs. Bolatito Sure-Olufe, said intelligence sharing within the region will go a long way in aiding efforts at countering terrorism.

    The DSS boss noted that while military and intelligence efforts have achieved notable successes in disrupting terrorist operations, it was imperative that terrorist financing networks must be disrupted.

    He added that depriving terror groups of the funds that fuel their activities was crucial to undermining their capabilities and ultimately defeating them.

    Bichi noted: “Terrorist organizations rely heavily on a steady flow of funds to sustain their operations, including recruitment, training, procurement of weapons and explosives, and execution of attacks.

    “By targeting their financial lifelines, we can strike at the very heart of these groups, limiting their reach and hampering their ability to carry out acts of violence.

    “The financial trail left by terrorist financing activities provides invaluable intelligence that can help uncover the structure, connections, and intentions of these networks, enabling more targeted and effective interventions.

    “Countering the financing of terrorism is a collective responsibility that demands international cooperation and collaboration.”

    Harris Jr. said money laundering and the financing of terrorism have continued to adversely impact the socio-economic development, peace, and security of ECOWAS member states and beyond.

    He noted in the last decade, the ECOWAS community has experienced an increasing level of terrorism, radicalization, and violent extremisms at an alarming rate.

    He added: “Counter-terrorism can no longer be the exclusive domain of the military services.

    “Studies by GIABA and of the Financial Action Task Force (FATF) have rightly revealed that terrorists are increasingly using legitimate commercial enterprises to raise funds, as well as non-profit organizations, the abusive exploitation of extractive and mining resources, donations, crowdfunding, and above all, the proceeds of criminal activities such as kidnapping for ransom, extortion, illicit drug trafficking, illicit trade in small arms and light weapons, trafficking in arts and antics, etc.

    “Terrorists also manage to move these collected funds through front companies, money or value couriers, using payment methods such as prepaid cards, mobile banking, or virtual assets.

    “It is therefore important to optimize the technical assistance provided to the GIABA member states by making knowledge, capacities and expertise available locally, and by ensuring that resources are distributed in a more effective, efficient, and coordinated manner.

    “Hence the training of trainers’ project, which has been specially designed to meet the needs of our countries,” Harris Jr said.

    Represented by the Provost of the NDC, Prof. Adam Ahmed, Olotu suggested ways progress could be achieved in efforts to rid the sub-region of terrorism and related challenges.

    He added: “If you fight terrorism by fighting those funding them, it will make your job easier.”

    Mrs. Bakari said blocking the channels, routes, and techniques used to move these funds within ECOWAS nations and across its borders requires cooperation not just at a national level but at a regional level.

    The NFIU boss noted that “one of the key pillars in our collective fight against terrorism is countering the financing that sustains these nefarious activities.

    “Across the sub-region, terrorist groups have continued to threaten the lives, well-being, and commonwealth of our citizens.

    “While the governments of our member states have taken decisive action to combat this threat using kinetic and non-kinetic means, it is clear that one of the most effective tools in our arsenal and the global fight against terror is identifying, pursuing, and restricting access to the funds and resources they need to carry out their activities.

    “The financing which enables them to purchase and transport weapons and materials, and pay their fighters is the lifeblood of any terrorist organisation.

    Blocking the channels, routes, and techniques used to move these funds within our nations and across our borders requires cooperation not just at a national level but at a regional level.

    “This can only be achieved through a proper understanding and application of the role of the military, intelligence services, law enforcement agencies, prosecutors and the judiciary in this collective endeavour,” Mrs. Bakari said.